The hotel group is also taking over two properties in Egypt, including the Old Cataract hotel where Agatha Christie is said to have penned Death on the Nile.

A first from the Hong Kong-born hotel group, the Mandarin Oriental, Nile Cruise will include three-, four- and seven-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan.

Both cities will soon be home to their very own Mandarin Oriental properties, too, as the group has unveiled plans to take over and renovate an historic hotel in each.

The expected launch date for the river cruise is yet to be announced as the vessel is still in its design stages. Plans for the boat include three restaurants and a dedicated wellness space, plus suites for guests.

“Egypt is one of the fastest growing global destinations and presents a rare opportunity to create a journey that is both culturally rich and uniquely Mandarin Oriental,” said Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental. (Euronews)